"Despite the volume decline, profitability in Europe improved thanks to the roll-out of premium brands with higher profit margins.

"The Russian market declined by an estimated eight percent due to outlet restrictions and slower economic growth," the group said.

Beer sales in Russia have been hit by a slower economy and government efforts to battle the country's drink problem, which have included a ban on sales in kiosks and on late night sales, as well as marketing restrictions."

So it's not just economic slowdown, it's also government restrictions. And the slowdown is largely due to Russia as other Europeans seem to be swapping out their cheap swill for premium beer instead.

In the real world, I suspect that beer sales are often in an inverse correlation with disposable income. Sure, if you deciding whether to eat or buy beer most folks will choose food (although I've known plenty who went the other way). However, if you can't afford to go out and do anything, sitting at home and drowning your despair and anxiety in the blessed golden elixir is a pretty popular choice.

Meh. Ye olde capitalism at work; now appearing in former Marxist economies. Brand name recognition drives consumer demand, so you can now buy beer plants in China to bottle your swill, with your label slapped on.

When I lived in Colorado if try to make it to any beerfest I could. Really miss that. Now living in Minnesota and try to make it over to New Ulm for Bachfest and Octoberfest. You wouldn't think it but those Germanns and their silly clothes and funny music really know how to party.

Hal5423:bdub77: I'm sure it has nothing to do with your skunky beer tasting like shiat Carlsberg.

Came here to say this. Although this is my opinion in general regarding pilsners. Maybe some of you farkers can recommend me a good one?

/Difficulty: I live in Belgium and I generally drink trappist and other strong beers.

I typically don't care for Pilsners but there's a time and place. Pilsner Urquell is pretty good. Just make sure if you buy bottles to get them in a 12 pack that hasnt seen the light of day. I like Okocim occasionally.

Mose:thurstonxhowell: Carlsberg and Stella Artois are proof that Europeans are capable of making beer every bit as shiatty as the worst American swill.

See also: Heineken, Amstel, Grolsch.

If it's all the same to you, I'd rather not see any of them at all. While we're at it, why the hell do so many people in Ireland drink Tiger and who the hell bothered to ship that pisswater out of Asia?

NASAM:bdub77: I'm sure it has nothing to do with your skunky beer tasting like shiat Carlsberg.

This, and a million better options.

shiat macros will continue to see their market share shrink as beer drinkers find better (and usually local) options.

This, dammit. Hell, even in TFA Carlsburg said they were seeing higher profits from their "premium" stuff (which probably is still shiatty). But the point is, that people are drinking better beer, and THAT is the big change in the market.

thurstonxhowell:Mose: thurstonxhowell: Carlsberg and Stella Artois are proof that Europeans are capable of making beer every bit as shiatty as the worst American swill.

See also: Heineken, Amstel, Grolsch.

If it's all the same to you, I'd rather not see any of them at all. While we're at it, why the hell do so many people in Ireland drink Tiger and who the hell bothered to ship that pisswater out of Asia?

Ugh, I don't know, but if I have one more person tell me "ehh, Tsing Tao isn't that bad" I might just scream.

partly my fault. since 2008, I've been on numerous glaucoma meds that contraindicate against alcohol, especially the pill that has a lovely diuretic effect. now, if weed were legal, I'd be zonked and thirsty and drinking plenty of beer. So that's another reason why we need to legalize weed, to save the beer production and thus, the economy.